Epic local find. Business Stamp from late 1800s. Great shape (no Handle).

nalc472

New member
Found this stamp for a business.This owner was the 2nd richest person in town. He built a mansion in 1881 on the river here(pic attached). I also have a pic of him with his wife (attached). Here is some info about him:

Date: 1880-03-11; Paper: Indianapolis Sentinel Vevay News Reported for the Sentinel.

James K. Pleasants and O. S. Waldo, both merchants of this city have purchased the right of this county for the patent process for burning brick, and will open a brickyard In a few days. They are both men of means, and able to go into the business extensively.

Nearby is the Rosemont Inn, a magnificently restored 1881 Victorian mansion. The home was built by James K. Pleasants, whose brother lived in New Orleans. They owned barges on which James could ship hay down the rivers to his brother, where both boat and hay were sold at profit. The stamp is reversed on 2nd photo so U can read the stamp. The description in the pic posted is from an 1884 Atlas. Owner died 1914.

stamp.jpgstamp2.jpgstamp3.jpgjames k pleasants.jpgrosemont inn.jpg
 

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Now that is a cool pc of history there! If there is a local historical society / museum they would love to see that! not that you should donate it ... that is up to you. But they could give you more insight to it and perhaps more leads to potential detecting spots.
 
I have donated at least 8 items to the historical society. I will be donating this also. It is about the size of a half dollar and twice as thick.
 
WTG on getting that local piece of history. It sure does look like a die that could have been used to make tokens???
 
You are right. If it was used to make tokens that would be even better. I could punch out some one sided tokens
 
I sent a message to a manufacturer of coins and token that has been in business for 160 years. They are located in Cincinnati and should be able to tell me if it is a token die.
 
Very nice find with a tie to local history. Those kinds of finds are the best.

I wonder if it's an embossing stamp for marking correspondence? I've never seen a wax seal that big but I guess it's possible.

Either way it's an incredible find!

:congrats:
 
I do think it is an embossing stamp. It would be in a press like the old Notary stamps. The bank my wife used to work at had one they used as a door stop.
 
I think this is the best part of the Hobby. Finding an item and then pulling history on that item really ties everything together. The coins are great but you can't beat that personal history. That is why I always like finding the old tokens. Great find and fantastic research follow-up and photos. WD
 

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